These days, files are ballooning in size, straining our storage and internet connections. We categorize them relative to the data used to download them or our storage space. It isn’t nearly as convenient for entities distributing the files on the web.
Using a laptop – illustrative photo. Image credit: John Schnobrich via Unsplash, free license
Distributors typically upload files to servers, but this approach struggles with high demand. For example, they would have to upload the files to a server and guarantee that the server has sufficient bandwidth to support many downloads at once. Therefore, the more popular they become, the more bandwidth is needed.
Similar problems exist today, but torrenting provides a unique solution. Torrenting is a decentralized solution that tackles file sharing and distribution over the internet, offering a smoother download experience. It employs the BitTorrent protocol, which was created by Bram Cohen in 2001, and it changed the way people generally provided and accessed files online.
How Does Torrenting Work?
Here’s a simple breakdown showing how torrent facilitates file distribution and download:
- Users first need to choose a Torrent client. Torrent clients are software that manages the upload, download, and tracking of files distributed using the BitTorrent protocol
- Obtainment of a torrent file (.torrent) or magnet link is next. A torrent file contains all the metadata of the fragments of the file users wish to download. Magnet links are similar, but the torrent client can automatically execute the link to begin the download. Opening the file or executing the link will initiate a connection to the torrent network
- Once connected, the user will receive a prompt to select a local folder as a download location on their device.
- After determining the download location, the torrent client contacts the tracker for a list of users and devices sharing the required file. The tracker is like an index for file locations users distribute on torrent. As such, they are sometimes the target of legal action because of their important role. Due to this, some torrent clients don’t use trackers. Instead, they employ Distributed Hash Tables. Both mechanisms are how the system ensures that downloads are efficient and decentralized.
- Once connected to other users, the download begins. The magic of torrenting occurs here because the client downloads the file in little fragments from many sources at once. As a result, they negate the need for significant bandwidth on centralized servers. Also, once connected, users can become a part of the network and play a role in further distributing the file.
After downloading, you can choose to become a seeder. Seeders are users who have the full file and are willing to share fragments to help maintain the distribution network (swarm). That’s the opposite of a leach who downloads but isn’t interested in sharing or contributing to the swarm or network.
Disadvantages of Torrent
The advantages of Torrent are inherent. For one, larger files become much easier to transfer and download. However, like every digital tool or solution, malicious entities will figure out how to subvert it to their use.
Unfortunately, that means there are disadvantages to torrenting. These disadvantages are unrelated to the inherent nature of the protocol. Some of them are:
Copyright Infringement
Torrent provides a means for copyright infringement to occur. Due to its decentralized, community-supported nature, people can potentially distribute and download copyrighted content without permission. The practice is illegal and punishable by law, with penalties ranging from fines to prison sentences.
Piracy
The legality aspect needs to be considered in torrenting. While the torrenting action itself is not illegal, downloading copyrighted material without permission is. The act of distributing copyrighted content without appropriate permissions is called piracy, and it’s punishable by law. However, the anonymity afforded to their users by torrent clients makes it difficult to track or prosecute offenders.
Malware Distribution
The issue of fake files is arguably the most detrimental to individual downloaders. In the context of Torrent, a fake file does not contain what it claims to do or contains malware within. Cybercriminals make use of torrent-distributed files to share malware among downloaders.
Because of these disadvantages, users should use additional tools alongside the reputable torrenting provider. Some use antiviruses to detect malware-infected files. They may also use the best VPN for torrenting option to mask IP addresses, anonymize downloads, and encrypt their data traffic. Also, while there’s no doubt that VPNs can enhance privacy, their legality can vary by region, so it’s essential to check whether it isn’t illegal in yours.
Conclusion
As a protocol, torrent is perfectly legal. However, people abuse it a lot for illegal distribution of copyrighted files and content. Then, it becomes unsafe when cybercriminals decide to employ the medium to share malware. As such, ensure you secure your device and practice good cyber hygiene while torrenting. It might be a nuanced legal topic, but it’s not the safest option for downloading what you wish if you’re not careful.